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Indiana Sports Betting: Legal online sportsbooks and how to get started

Editorial Team
Indiana Sports Betting: Legal online sportsbooks and how to get started image

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Indiana legalized sports betting in May 2019, when Governor Eric Holcomb signed the sports betting bill (HB 1015) into law.

On Sept. 1 of that same year, the first retail sportsbooks in Indy history opened, and Holcomb himself placed the first legal sports wager in the state. One month later, online sportsbooks launched in the Hoosier State.

If you're an Indiana native contemplating a sports betting journey — or you're just visiting the state and want to place some bets while there — here's everything you need to know about how to get started, which sites and apps to use, the top betting promos and bonuses and more.

MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL

Is sports betting legal in Indiana?

Yes! Indiana legalized sports betting in May 2019. Retail and online sports betting sites have been officially live and registered within the state since that same year.

The Indiana Gaming Commission regulates gambling in the state. This includes casinos, sports betting, racinos, horse racing tracks and OTB sites.

To place sports bets in Indiana, you will need to be:

  • at least 21 years old
  • physically in the state (verify with GeoComply)
  • able to verify your sportsbook account

Here are some key details regarding HB 1015, Indiana's sports betting bill passed in 2019:

  • 9.5% tax rate on all betting
  • Maximum of 42 online sportsbooks legally permitted to operate within the state
  • Every online operator must partner with a pro sports team or sports venue
  • Each licensed casino and OTB site can partner with up to three sportsbooks
  • Betting on all major sports markets is allowed, except for Esports and athletes under 18 years old
  • Bettors must be at least 21 years old to place legal bets

MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA

Online sportsbooks available in Indiana

How to sign up and place a bet in Indiana

The process to start your sports betting journey in the Hoosier State is quite simple. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered Indiana sportsbook

Choose one of the many sportsbooks listed above. 

Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit

Follow the steps to sign up for your preferred sportsbook. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state lines.

You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in the state of Indiana. 

Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal. 

Step 3: Place your bets!

Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!

To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!

MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?

What you can bet on in Indiana

While sports betting is legal in Indiana, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for sports bettors in the Hoosier state.

  • Online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal in Arizona
  • NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
  • College sports lines, totals and futures
  • Pre-game college player prop bets (live prop bets on college players is not allowed)
  • Olympics
  • Horse racing

What you can't bet on in Indiana

There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in Indiana. With college sports, for example, it is legal to wager on lines, totals and futures, but you cannot wager on college player props. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind. 

  • IGaming or online casino gambling
  • Live prop bets on college athletes (pre-game prop bets are legal)
  • High school and amateur youth sports
  • Esports
  • Political events
  • Greyhound dog racing
  • Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
  • Must physically be in Indiana to place wagers

MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books

Indiana sports betting promos and bonus offers

Popular teams to bet on in Indiana

  • Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
  • Indiana Pacers (NBA)
  • Indiana Fever (WNBA)
  • Indiana Hoosiers (NCAA)
  • Purdue Boilermakers (NCAA)
  • Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA)

Responsible gambling resources in Indiana

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.

  • State gambling help hotline: 1-800-994-8448
  • Text INGAMB to 53342 for help
  • Indiana Council on Problem Gambling: 1-317-632-1364
  • Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program (IPGAP)
  • State-funded outpatient and residential treatment provide network
  • Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous
  • State Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP)

MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting

News Correspondent

Contributing Writer